FAIRMONT – With one youth on the waiting list, the Martin County Board of Commissioners opted to fully fund the program and add an extra $5,000 for an extra spot during Tuesday’s meeting.

The program allows youth to work temporarily at a local business. Businesses lined up this year include Great Plains transportation, Becker Financial, Integrated Tax Services, Fairmont Opera House and Avery Weigh-Tronix among others.

Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) Family Resource Coordinator Tammie Hested said they were asking for the same amount as in the past, funding 14 students at $14 an hour for 240 hours each. She said they also had one student on the waiting list, meaning 15 youths total had taken steps to participate in the program.

“We have interviewed [the students] and have most of the placements figured out,” she said. “Great students. I meet with them, a lot of them over Christmas break or via Zoom now, and explain the program to them. Focus on the purpose of this program, and hope that they’ll consider returning someday.”

Recently, Hested said two program alums have chosen to work in Martin County as part of a remote work arrangement.

“We know this program works,” she said. “We know it’s making a difference, and just excited for another great summer.”

Commissioner Richard Koons, who is also on the County EDA board, said this program could assist them with an issue they identified during Monday’s EDA meeting.

“We talked about the need for students not necessarily college bound that might be wanting to find a trade type job in the area,” he said. “I’m wondering if you have any interest, or if there would be an option to pursue that.”

To do so, Hested said it would be a matter of finding the students interested. For this year, she said it is late in the game but it could be done in the future.

Commissioner Jaime Bleess asked if the waiting list student had anything lined up. Hested said a tentative pairing with a business was in place, but it was a matter of funds that kept him out of the program.

After crunching the numbers for an additional participant at $14 an hour for 240 hours, Koons said they would add $5,000 to bring that student off the waiting list and into the program.

Commissioner Billeye Rabbe motioned to approve funding for the MVAC with an additional $5,000. Commissioner Joe Loughmiller seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

In other business:

— Tam Plumhoff gave an update regarding the employee wellness program. She said it has helped build camaraderie amongst some of the city employees, but only around half are participating. Speaking from her role as director of Prarieland Solid Waste Management, Rabbe said it was fun, and she appreciates Plumhoff for her role with the program.

— A full-time correctional officer’s resignation was approved. Rabbe said it has lately felt like a revolving door of resignations. Currently, the budget calls for 12 full-time corrections officers and six part-time. At the same time, the process for securing a new officer was approved

— Authorizations were approved to recruit a summer library intern, water patrol deputy and highway department help.